The first month of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is over and the fans are getting a clear idea about the teams that can make it to the playoffs. Courtesy of their quick batting, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are a top contender to win the trophy. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have impressed one and all and are strong contenders to win the title.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have once again disappointed their fans and they have just managed one win from seven matches. The Faf du Plessis-led side lost to KKR by just one run on Sunday (April 21) and is staring at an early exit from the tournament.
They are at the last spot and have to win the rest of their six matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. The similar is the case with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The Shikhar Dhawan-led team just has two wins from 8 matches. PBKS are at the 9th spot and another defeat will hurt their chances.
- KKR moves to 2nd.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 21, 2024
- GT moves to 6th.
- PBKS slips to 9th.
- RCB stays at 10th.
End of another Super Sunday in IPL. pic.twitter.com/NY9Ezg6Tcd
With six wins from 7 matches, RR are at the top of the points table. They are on the cusp of the second-round qualification. But RR will aim to finish in the top two to get more than one chance of qualifying for the final.
RR are followed by KKR, who have 5 wins from 7 matches. Unlike the past many seasons, KKR have been performing consistently right from the start.
SRH have five wins from 7 matches and acquire the third spot. Surprisingly, they have a lower NRR (+0.914) than KKR's (+1.206). Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings are the fourth-placed team after the first month.
Orange Cap
Virat Kohli continues to hold the Orange Cap. The RCB opener has 379 runs from 8 matches and sits at the top spot. He is followed by SRH's Travis Head, who has 324 runs from six matches. Head has batted with a strike rate of 216.00. RR's Riyan Parag, who has 318 runs, acquires the third position.
Purple Cap
Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel jointly own the Purple Cap. Harshal scalped three wickets against Gujarat Titans (GT) to move to the top spot. Both pacers have scalped 13 wickets each. Bumrah will be in action on Monday (April 22).
Yuzvendra Chahal and Geral Coetzee share the second spot for scalping 12 wickets each. RR and MI will up against each other on Monday. So the fans can get a new Purple Cap holder by the end of the next league stage game.
